July 01, 2024
As a ‘lifelong petrolhead’ (his words), Ford CEO Jim Farley has just recently posted an insightful ode to electric vehicles. In an opinion piece on social media, he shared a fresh and inspiring perspective about his newfound love for electric cars. As a self-described ‘lifelong petrolhead’ with a career in the automotive business (mainly Toyota […]
July 01, 2024
Mercedes-Benz will once again invest more in combustion technology, Group CEO Ola Källenius told a German newspaper. The drivetrain of the hybridized combustion engines is to be “properly” reworked so that “it will last well into the 2030s.” Mercedes-Benz is far behind schedule in terms of EV sales. As the general economic and regulatory conditions […]
June 25, 2024
During a trip to China, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck made headway in the trade dispute over additional tariffs for EVs in the EU. The Chinese government and the EU want to start intensive negotiations, fuelling hopes of a short-term solution. Of course, it’s not a coincidence that a German Minister has made the opening, […]
June 24, 2024
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), based in Washington, D.C., Chinese car manufacturers received some €216 billion in government aid to produce electric cars. The American think tank’s researcher Scott Kennedy says more than half of it was given as a turnover tax exemption. Other subsidies include premiums for new electric […]
June 21, 2024
Citroën has presented its new ë-C3 Aircross in more detail after the Stellantis brand showed the first images of the model in April. Now, there is also information about the drive system, the seat configuration, and prices in some markets. The battery-electric drive is only available for the five-seater version, as Citroën has now specified. […]
June 21, 2024
The BMW i1 and BMW i2 have long been in the rumor mill. BMW Group’s company’s board has finally approved the launch of the compact EVs. A new report from the specialized English magazine Autocar says the BMW i1 and i2 have received the green signal. These entry-level EVs have been developed at the BMW […]
June 20, 2024
Toyota Motor Corporation’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, and nine other members of the automaker’s board were re-elected at an annual general meeting on Tuesday. Shareholders finally shrugged off concerns about governance and certification test scandals. Two leading proxy advisers had recommended against Toyoda’s re-election. But his re-appointment was widely expected, given the automaker’s shareholdings owned by […]
June 20, 2024
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is reviving its Freelander brand for future electric cars. The Freelander models will be based on a platform from its Chinese partner Chery Automotive, built in China and sold only there for the time being. However, export to the rest of the world is envisaged. Not so long ago, JLR revealed […]
June 20, 2024
According to the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA) data, car registrations in the European Union decreased by 3% in May 2024. Declines were observed in three out of the region’s four major markets: Italy (-6.6%), Germany (-4.3%), and France (-2.9%). Spain, on the other hand, achieved a modest growth of 3.4% last month. Despite the […]
June 19, 2024
“Modernity, presence, and sporting flair reach new levels: the best-seller embarks on a new era,” says BMW at the launch of the renewed best-seller X3. The new range won’t have a full-electric version, as this iX3 successor will be the first product of the “Neue Klasse”, launched next year. But there’s an improved PHEV version. […]
June 19, 2024
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Ferrari’s first electric car will cost at least €500,000. The luxury automaker is preparing to open a plant to make the model, which could boost group production by up to a third in the long run. The exclusive Italian brand has said it will launch an […]
June 15, 2024
Chinese car manufacturer Nio has revealed the EL8, a new luxury SUV for Europe. The large SUV seats six, has a range of 500+ km, and will cost approximately €80,000 if nothing changes tax-wise. It will first be offered in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. According to the manufacturer, the EL8 will have […]
June 14, 2024
A new electric sedan from China, the Xpeng Mona 03, debuted online on 11 June. It is the first EV resulting from the collaboration between Xpeng Motors and ride-hailing service provider Didi. Xpeng Motors hasn’t revealed the M03’s specifications yet, but according to a report from Autohome, the new electric sedan should deliver a range […]
June 14, 2024
The Chinese car manufacturer Chery confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will use its M3X and E0X modular platforms for future battery-electric and plug-in cars, which will probably be sold mainly in China. To that end, JLR has signed a strategic agreement with Chery brand Exeed. JLR, owned by Indian Tata Motors, will use two […]
June 10, 2024
Last Sunday was election day in Belgium. Citizens had to vote for three (Flanders, Wallonia) or four (Brussels) different parliaments: European, federal, and regional (an additional one in Brussels). The respective mobility ministers saw different faiths. Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) has not been re-elected in the federal parliament. Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters […]
June 07, 2024
The BMW 1 Series is entering its fourth model generation. With a modestly altered design presence, a revised drive portfolio, and improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series has sharpened its profile, but further electrifcation was clearly not a priority. Efficient ICE engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology are the closest the new car […]
June 07, 2024
Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has delivered B-samples of its cells to Mercedes-Benz. The German company is now integrating these into modules and battery packs before extensively testing them. The American company has also publicized an energy density value for the first time: 391 Wh/kg. According to Factorial Energy, the B samples are solid-state battery […]
June 06, 2024
Ford’s European top executive, Martin Sander, is moving back to the Volkswagen Group, his former employer. The German car manufacturer announced that he will now oversee sales, marketing, and aftersales for the Volkswagen brand. Sander (57) moved from Audi to Ford in June 2022 as head of the US company’s Model E passenger car division […]
June 06, 2024
After the bulky Chinese Hongqi E-HS9 super-SUV, Hedin Automotive, the Swedish multi-brand retailer active in the Belux, will now start to import the luxury sedan Hongqi EH7. According to the press release, the Chinese luxury brand’s fully electric D-segment sedan sets a new standard for range, performance, and roominess. The car offers a range of […]
June 06, 2024
Stijn Blanckaert (50) is the new Managing Director of the Belgian Federation of Vehicle Rental Companies, Renta. Its predecessor, Frank Van Gool, recently announced that he would be the new CEO of Febiac, so his place was vacant at Renta. Renta President Johan Portier hasn’t waited too long to assign its successor: “We are very […]
June 06, 2024
Sector federation Traxio has just published the figures for the second-hand market in May. Last month, 5,9% more second-hand cars were registered, 60,284 in total, compared to 38,907 new ones. Noticeable: the registration of EVs boomed in both cases. Filip Rylant, Traxio spokesman: “Also in May, we saw a rising trend for second-hand cars. This […]
June 05, 2024
The first production model of the new Ford Explorer has rolled off the production line in Cologne and was also handed over directly to the first customer at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre. The second electric model from Cologne is due to follow this year. Also noticeable: Ford’s EV sales grew by 65% in May […]
June 04, 2024
The big Stelato S9 luxury sedan, which debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in April, is now available to pre-order in China. Its domestic launch will take place in the coming months. The Stelato S9, BAIC BluePark’s and Huawei’s first jointly built electric model, promises an 800 km range. Pre-sales started in China on 31 […]
June 04, 2024
Following the decision to withdraw production of the Q8 e-tron from Europe and relocate it to Mexico, the search is ongoing for alternatives for the Audi plant in Brussels. This could be a new high-luxury SUV EV, the assembly of batteries and other electric parts, or both. As the German publication Handelsblatt writes, citing negotiating […]
June 04, 2024
According to the data of the sector federation, Febiac, the car registrations in Belgium and Luxembourg decreased by 5.9% compared to May 2023. According to Febiac, the regression is due to the company car market because many contracts were anticipated in 2023 for fiscal reasons. The market for individual buyers is increasing. For the first […]
June 03, 2024
Although many European manufacturers warn of Chinese competition and think they’re getting indirect subsidies, obstructing a level playing field, they also seem interested in partnerships with ‘the enemy’. Take Renault, for example: It will be running its ICE business (called Horse) with Geely, and now it’s partnering with another Chinese company to create the new […]
May 31, 2024
At the demand of Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters, the Flemish government has consented to a five-year pilot project allowing approved repairers to proceed to certain car re-inspections. The project aims to reduce the waiting lines and times at the official inspection centers. After evaluation, another 5 years can be added. The Minister expects that […]
May 31, 2024
Jeep’s first fully electric vehicle that stands on its own is the Wagoneer S. While it is not the first electrified vehicle by the manufacturer, it is the first that is not built based on a combustion model. Pictures of the car had already leaked out in January; now, the manufacturer has official ones, also […]
May 30, 2024
Even before the official market launch in August this year, Audi has announced a further drive variant for the Q6 e-tron. The rear-wheel drive increases the range and reduces the base price. However, the new Q6 e-tron Performance will not be the cheapest model in the Q6 range for long as another variant with a […]
May 30, 2024
Almost three months after filing for insolvency for a second time, the German electric car manufacturer e.Go has to call it quits. According to the insolvency administrator, business operations will be discontinued, and the company will be liquidated. The liquidation was unavoidable “because, despite intensive efforts, no buyer could be found to take over the […]
May 30, 2024
Febiac, the federation for the Automobile and Two-wheeler sector in the Belux, has announced that the Brussels Motor Show (BMS) will again take place next year. The show will not occur in January, as usual, but from Friday 14 till Sunday 23 February. After a year of absence, the board of Febiac, regrouping most automakers […]
May 30, 2024
Toyota’s APM, or ‘Accessible People Mover,’ is an electric vehicle designed to transport persons or goods and can also be used as an emergency vehicle. It was developed in Toyota’s R&D center in Zaventem, Belgium, and will be produced at Toyota Caetano in Portugal. For years already, Toyota has been the worldwide mobility partner of […]
May 28, 2024
Introduced in January, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is now rolling off the assembly line at Audi Brussels, Belgium. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is the off-road-oriented first Audi EV available in showrooms. Named after the world-famous desert rally, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on the Audi Q8 advanced 55 e-tron […]
May 27, 2024
Last Friday, the board of manufacturer and importer federation Febiac appointed Frank Van Gool as its new CEO, replacing Andreas Cremer on the 1st of July. Frank Van Gool (52) is well-known in the Belgian automotive business. Since 2013, he has been the managing director of Renta, the Belgian Federation of Vehicle Rental Companies, and […]
May 27, 2024
Software République, an open innovation ecosystem for intelligent, safe, and sustainable mobility in which Renault is involved, has now presented the ‘U1st Vision’ concept vehicle. It is intended for neighborhood services and can, for example, be equipped as a doctor’s surgery on wheels. The ‘U1st’ demonstrator consists of two parts: a self-contained multi-service module (‘pop-up’) […]
May 27, 2024
Porsche has decided to extend its involvement in Formula E. It means the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer will continue to compete in the electric racing series from Season 13 (2026/2027), when the fourth generation of vehicles is introduced. In 2023, Porsche extended its involvement in Formula E by two years until the end of 2026. […]
May 27, 2024
The radical Hyundai N Vision 74 concept will evolve into the world’s first road-legal hydrogen supercar and serve as a halo car for the South Korean brand. Several media reports suggest that Hyundai is planning on a surprise for friend and foe by producing the world’s first road-legal hydrogen supercar, the N74. Following its concept […]
May 24, 2024
BYD has presented a new electric double-decker bus, first for the British market. The BD11 features a next-generation chassis but is also powered by BYD’s blade battery. With this move, BYD is leveraging synergies between its automotive and bus businesses. BYD presented the BD11 in London, where it is also expected to find its highest […]
May 23, 2024
In some countries, Germany, for example, there is a renewed interest in plug-in hybrids. From its facelifted eight-generation Golf, Volkswagen now proposes two PHEV variants with electric ranges of up to 140 kilometers. In January, Volkswagen presented its facelifted Golf 8 to the public and announced a new PHEV generation simultaneously. VW first unveiled what […]
May 22, 2024
In a bid to rapidly expand its EV line-up and become more competitive in China, Audi has partnered with SAIC, one of its local joint venture partners. The carmaker will release three EVs co-developed with SAIC, with the first model due in 2025. Audi and SAIC will jointly develop a range of electric models, with […]
May 22, 2024
According to the figures of the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the European Union car market grew by 13.7% in April 2024. New registrations totaled 913,995 units, driven by strong increases across all major markets: Spain (+23.1%), Germany (+19.8%), France (+10.9%), and Italy (+7.7%). This growth can be partly explained by the two extra sales […]
May 21, 2024
Stellantis’ premium subsidiary, DS Automobiles, is considering launching a radically designed electric sedan with unique styling and excellent aerodynamics. As part of its efforts to further distance itself from and position itself above Citroën, DS is looking to launch a radical new electric sedan later this decade. Featuring retro styling inspired by the legendary Citroën […]
May 21, 2024
According to insider information, VW and Renault have abandoned their talks about a possible cooperation for small electric cars. Around a month ago, there were already indications that the negotiations to jointly develop EVs at target prices of less than 20,000 euros were stagnating. Rumors persisted for months that the Franco-German cooperation on small cars […]
May 21, 2024
The small but sporty EV off-roader designed by Ian Callum, the Callum Skye, is now ready to order. The Callum Skye is the first EV from Ian Callum, the iconic British car designer’s own design and engineering firm after he left Jaguar, where he was heading design for decades. The car will be revealed at […]
May 16, 2024
As the US government has now opted to quadruple trade tariffs on electric vehicles from China, Europe is also considering a (much more modest) increase. However, whether any of the trade war’s efforts will benefit customers remains to be seen. Apparently, the European Union will impose punitive tariffs on electric cars made in China before […]
May 16, 2024
ABB E-Mobility has presented its new A400 HPC charging station. According to ABB, it is characterised by particularly high reliability and user-friendliness. It offers two connections with 200 kW continuous charging power each or up to 400 kW for a single vehicle. The new product is an alternative to ABB’s HPC charging stations from the […]
May 16, 2024
Horse, Renault’s department for the further development of internal combustion engines, will sell 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines to Habas, one of Turkey’s largest companies, for use in light-commercial vehicles. The company has signed its first major contract with an outside company with an agreement to provide turbodiesel engines to the Turkish conglomerate Habas. The Renault turbodiesel engine […]
May 16, 2024
Parking service provider Parkopedia has expanded its partnership with BMW Group to provide EV drivers with additional EV Point of Interest data, enabling them to make more informed decisions about when and where to charge their vehicles. The new partnership is designed to provide EV drivers with photos and ratings for charging locations alongside Parkopedia-provided […]
May 15, 2024
Renault is adjusting its strategy toward autonomous vehicles. Regarding individual vehicles, Renault Group concentrates on the L2 or L2+ level for the moment. However, when it comes to public transportation, Renault Group sees the relevance of offering real autonomous vehicles. CTO Gilles Le Borgne said Renault Group would not aim for so-called SAE Level 3 […]
May 15, 2024
The Stellantis Group and Chinese electric car manufacturer Leapmotor have finalized the establishment of their joint venture and announced that Leapmotor International would commence operations in Europe in September 2024. The market launch in Europe will initially start in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, and Romania. Both sides have announced that […]
May 14, 2024
According to a new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E), onshoring the EV supply chain to Europe would cut the emissions of producing a battery by 37% compared to a China-controlled supply chain. This carbon saving rises to over 60% when renewable electricity is used. “Producing Europe’s demand for battery cells and components locally would […]
May 14, 2024
Mercedes-Benz is apparently putting the brakes on investment with a change of course. According to a media report, it is no longer developing its electric platform ‘MB.EA-Large’. From 2028, the Stuttgarters actually wanted to electrify the new generation of their largest saloons and SUVs based on this architecture. The German newspaper Handelsblatt cites four insiders […]
May 13, 2024
The VW ID.1 could arrive as the final VW e-up! successor later this decade. Volkswagen has begun initial planning but faces challenges in bringing the new electric city car to the market. The slowdown in EV sales is not one of them. Meanwhile, after confirming the launch of an all-new Golf EV, Volkswagen has started […]
May 13, 2024
With Lancia’s comeback in the Benelux, Stellantis is introducing three premium brands. The new fully electric version (a mild hybrid follows later) can be ordered now in Belgium for € 34,500. According to Milosz Tomanek, the Vice President of premium brands at Stellantis Belux and the MD of Lancia, Lancia is the epitome of Italian […]
May 10, 2024
Bentley’s future drivetrain will be an all-new, performance-focused V8 hybrid powertrain named ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’, replacing its iconic W12 engine. A pure electric Bentley seems not yet in sight. In a press release, the ultra-luxury brand and VW Group daughter promises “producing the highest power output ever offered in a Bentley; the new powertrain will […]
May 10, 2024
Ford Europe is reportedly flirting with the idea of adjusting its electrification strategy in the region as BEV sales have been slow to take off. Originally, the European arm of Ford Motor Company said it would only sell battery-electric models by 2030, but that commitment could soon change. Ford Europe has followed the lead of […]
May 08, 2024
Dark clouds seem to be accumulating above Fisker’s future. Magna, the company contracted to build the Fisker Ocean in Austria, says in its Q1 2024 financial report that it assumes no more will be built. Fisker has been looking for opportunities to save itself for a while already. Now, the company hired to build its […]
May 07, 2024
Volvo Cars reported global sales of 65,838 cars, up 27% compared to the same period last year. The sales increase was primarily driven by a strong performance in Europe as well as the company’s fully electric small SUV, the EX30. The company’s electrified models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, grew 53% compared […]
May 06, 2024
BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí is gearing up for production of the ‘Neue Klasse’. Construction of a local high-voltage battery assembly has now begun, along with expansion projects for the body shop, assembly, and logistics areas. A total of €800 million will be invested in expanding the Mexican production site. The ‘Neue Klasse’ will […]
May 06, 2024
Chinese electric car manufacturer Xpeng is now accepting orders for its third model in Europe. The electric SUV G6 is initially available in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, and it is cheaper than a Tesla Model Y. In Belgium, the Xpeng starts at €42,990 (190 kW, RWD, 435 km WLTP range), the same […]
